32 Best Family Vacations That Everyone Will Love, From Babies and Toddlers to Teens
From affordable to all-inclusive, there’s something for every traveler in your group.
After two years of dreaming about travel, you really want to take a big family trip this summer or fall. There is only one question: where are we going?
Check out this list of family vacation spots. These destinations have used downtime since the start of the pandemic to rethink, renovate, or both. Many upgraded their pools, some refreshed guestrooms, others rethought activities. Some were even built with the environment in mind from the start. With tons of outdoor fun, they’re all geared toward families like yours. Whether you’re looking to relax at an all-inclusive resort, get active at great outdoor attractions, thrill at new attractions at a theme park, hit the beach or cozy up in a cabin, there’s something for everyone. There is a destination or experience. Mood and since intergenerational travel is still a trend, we’ve found options that will please everyone from the youngest traveler to the oldest.
One thing to note: With the COVID-19 pandemic still an ongoing concern, it is possible that activities or offerings may have changed. It’s smart, especially when you’re traveling with kids, to confirm with your resort or destination that what you want to do is open or available before booking.
New York
Planning a city trip to New York City? cold! You’re going to love the Big Apple! But finding a hotel in New York can be really stressful. Especially if it’s your first time traveling to New York. In this post, we will help you get your bearings in New York. We’ll show you the best areas to stay and share our personal hotel recommendations.
Statue of Liberty
See New York City from the water with a sightseeing tour from a bustling East River Pier. Cruise across New York Harbor for spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty, take in the iconic shape of the World Financial Center and capture unforgettable photos of the city skyline. See Ellis Island and the Brooklyn Bridge, then watch the Big Apple’s coastline unfold as you take it in from the deck of a comfortable cruise ship.
Mexico and the Caribbean
Spend your days lazing in the waves, lounging by the pool, or enjoying some quiet time (thanks to some top kids’ clubs) at these island resorts.
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Riviera Maya, Mexico)
Sure, the kids have made it to these sister all-inclusive resorts — both with big water parks, daily puppets and Nickelodeon characters. But adults aren’t left out of the fun. Tequila tastings, spa treatments and romantic dinners can be on your agenda thanks to a supervised club for children aged 4 to 12. And while you probably won’t be booking a SpongeBob-themed room if you don’t have kids, the decor is as modern and classy as can be. All accommodations are suites that sleep up to five and have two bathrooms. At the Riviera Maya location, all suites have direct pool access from the balcony. All-inclusive rates that are part of the brand’s Summer of SpongeBob promotion start at $193 per person per night.
Club Med Max Playa Esmeralda (Dominican Republic)
Movies under the stars, trapeze lessons, windsurfing — with cool activities like these, kids will never want to leave this lush island resort. Supervised clubs for teens and kids keep the good times going while you’re in the adults-only Zen pool or doing treetop yoga (yes, that’s a thing). Solar panels, recycling, plastic-free water bottles and other sustainable measures are part of the eco-minded resort culture. All inclusive rates start at $173 per person per night, $77 per night for each child ages 4 to 11.
Beach Negril Resort & Spa (Negrail, Jamaica)
While this all-inclusive resort on the island’s beautiful 7-mile beach truly caters to all ages, toddlers and preschoolers will be impressed. Sesame Street characters entertain with story times, dance parties, puppetry and even tea! It’s topped with mini waterslides, splash areas and a playground that will make little ones squeal with delight and make them hit the sack faster. Private childcare and supervised kids’ clubs (for children up to teenagers, (including those with special needs) is an option when you want a spa treatment, a quiet dinner or just reading a book on the beach. All rooms and suites have been upgraded in 2020, so they are thoughtfully designed for families. All-inclusive rates start at $356 per person per night for adults and $68 per night for each child ages 2 to 15.
Fairmont Mayacuba (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)
When it comes to baby and baby gear, this resort has you covered. Need a bottle warmer? They understood. How about a step stool for a toddler to reach the sink? Yours for the asking. With these worries aside, you can focus on the beauty of the surroundings (the resort is surrounded by a lush mangrove forest) and incredible bucket list activities, such as Mexican fiestas, children’s carnivals and night kayaking. Half of the 400 guest rooms have been renovated and the rest will be completed by the end of the year. Rates start at $361 per night.
Rock House Resort (Turks and Caicos)
Your family may never leave the water at this Mediterranean-inspired oasis, which opened in May 2022. In addition to a full kitchen and spacious living room, many of the villa-style residences feature a spacious private pool. (No way! Yes way!) And if your crew ever gets tired of it, have fun at the resort’s oceanfront infinity pool and stretch of white sand beach, exclusive to resort guests. . While the cliffside setting makes the resort incredibly charming, it’s impossible to navigate with a stroller. Bring tweens, teenagers and even grandparents if they don’t have trouble climbing stairs. Rates start at $655 per night.
New England Cozy
Lakes, lighthouses and hiking trails make New England a great place to explore in almost any season.
Quisisana Resort (Lovell, Maine)
Kids will get a screen detox at this all-inclusive lakefront resort, and they’ll be so busy playing they’ll lose their devices. In comfortable, air-conditioned rooms and cabins with no TV or Wi-Fi signal, they’ll be fully immersed in activities ranging from paddle boating to tennis to sandcastle building. They can even learn to kayak or catch their first fish. At night, music fills the resort. Broadway-style shows, held in a new outdoor theater, Entertaining all generations. There’s something about the fresh air and selection of lollipops that keeps most kids from fussing too much, and the performance potential is at least as good as that of a good community theater. All three included daily meals — with menu items like lobster rolls and Maine blueberry pie — will leave your crew’s bellies happy and full. And if you need Wi-Fi occasionally, you can go to the main lobby for a signal. Sh: The kids will be fine without it. All-inclusive rates start at $470 per night.
Smuggler’s Notch Resort (Jeffersonville, Vermont)
Nestled in the green mountains, this resort is as much fun in the summer months as it is in prime ski season. In addition to eight heated pools (some with waterslides!), the action-packed lineup of family activities has plenty to offer whether you’re traveling with a toddler, a teenager, or both. Sing-a-longs, magic shows and scavenger hunts keep the little ones entertained while older kids welcome the chance to take guided hikes, design and launch water rockets or play glow-in-the-dark volleyball. Condos with five bedrooms make it possible for extended family and friends to stay together. Rates start at $174 per night.
Ocean’s Edge Resort and Golf Club (Brewster, MA)
Beach, pool, eat, repeat—that’s how your crew will spend a relaxing day at this Cape Cod gem. The private beach has gentle surf and at low tide, kids can spy tiny sea creatures in the tide pools. When the tide turns, head to the heated outdoor or indoor pools. Outdoor movies are perfect for winding down until bedtime. And if you can get the kids out of the water, activities like scavenger hunts curated by the resort’s new director of entertainment (really!) await. Stay in the “mansion” part of the resort as this is the part with private beach access. Rates start at $279 per night.
Sebasco Harbor Resort (Phipsburg, Maine)
Kids will never forget sleeping in a lighthouse by the sea. The resort’s 1945 lighthouse features recently renovated guest rooms with stunning views, ocean breezes, and amenities like refrigerators and microwaves. The Lighthouse Rooms are also close to the resort’s famous oceanfront saltwater pool, which has undergone a makeover for this season. A vintage bowling alley, weekly pirate cruises and an old-school kids’ club add to the charm. Rates start at $299 per night.
California Dreamin’
Choose your California adventure: You can find bustling cityscapes, quiet trails, beautiful beaches and even a fairytale castle.
San Diego
Can’t decide between heading to the beach or exploring the big city? San Diego has the best of both worlds, with near perfect weather to boot. Make your home base a beach resort like Loews Coronado Bay. It’s a short walk or resort shuttle ride to Silver Strand Beach—so named for the silver oyster shells that cover the beach and dunes. Enjoy seaside fun with a short drive to the city’s famous zoo and cultural attractions. New for Summer 2022: San Diego Zoo’s Wildlife Explorers Base Camp features four nature playgrounds, the highly anticipated Comic Con Museum in Balboa Park delights superhero fans and a newly opened Sesame Place Entertains small children. Rates start at $250 per night.
Monterey
The No. 1 reason to book a vacation to this beach town: the aquarium. Yes, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is great. It elevates the typical touch tank experience by allowing young children to crawl through tunnels surrounded by tropical fish displays to learn how the animals stand up to big waves. There’s even a padded zone with eye-level exposure for toddlers! And the whole family will be wowed by the aquarium’s newest exhibit, “Into the Deep: Exploring Our Undiscovered Ocean.” Some of the creatures in the 21 living exhibit areas are newly discovered and not even named yet. Mind blown! Stay next door at the hotel, the InterContinental The Clement Monterey. Rates start at $343 per night.
Los Angeles
If you are in L.A. Tweens and teenagers won’t bat an eye when I suggest a vacation—where, trust us, they’ll tell you to eat at In-N-Out-Burger. (Be nice and say you already have it on the list.) Some other must-dos: the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, where anyone 17 and under is free. I meet Visit the Griffith Observatory for out-of-this-world exhibits and a spectacular view of the Hollywood sign. With some outdoor shopping at The Grove L.A. and a beach day in Santa Monica riding the famous Ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier, you’ll get more deserved parenting credit. The new Thompson Hollywood features California chic — don’t be surprised if your teen wants to make TikToks from the rooftop pool. Rates start at $289 per night.
Disneyland Resort and California Adventure (Anaheim, California)
For a Disney trip with young children, Disneyland can beat the void of Orlando. Here are a few reasons why: You can go on more rides in California without walking too much, which means less tired and grumpy kids. Summers in Anaheim are generally better than in hot and humid Florida. And rides like the Radiator Springs Racers, which look like they’re straight out of the movie Cars, are Kelly exclusives. You can walk to the parks from the new Westin Anaheim, especially if little ones are in strollers. Rates start at $330 per night.
Redwoods National and State Parks (Crescent City, California)
The fairytale-like setting and pristine trails in Redwoods National and State Parks make it a great place to hike. For example, you can visit the hiker-friendly Prairie Creek/Foothills Trail Loop where kids will be in awe of the giant redwoods and babbling creek. Junior Ranger programs, for children ages 7 to 12, run from mid-May to mid-September. If you don’t want to camp, stay at the nearby Hotel Arcata. On Saturday mornings, Arcata hosts the oldest farmers market in California. Rates start at $185 per night.
Mountain Adventures
Outdoor families can take part in a variety of sporty activities on these mountains – and then head back to these resorts for some relaxing quality time.
Margaritaville Resorts (Gatlinburg, TN and Pigeon Forge, TN)
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, these action-packed resorts feature pools, access to kid-friendly hikes and proximity to mountaintop theme parks with breathtaking views like Anakista. Gatlinburg Resort is on a bustling downtown street just minutes from the park entrance, while Pigeon Forge Island Hotel is located about 20 minutes north in an entertainment complex with rides, restaurants and shops. Rates start at $179 per night.
Keystone Resort (Keystone, Colorado)
Snow tubing in the summer? believe it! Families can take a ride on the River Run Gondola to access the same tubing hill that runs during the winter. The resort collects snow from around the mountain to maintain the tubing hill so guests can cool off from the summer heat and recover from the winter. Lakeside recreation including biking and paddle boarding is also on the summer agenda. Rates start at $175 per night.
Sunriver Resort (Sunriver, Oregon)
It would be impossible not to reconnect with nature at Sun River Resort, located in picturesque Central Oregon and not far from the mountains for tubing or hiking. The Cove Aquatic Center — a hub of indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides and nature walks — opened last year. There is also a horse stable, four golf courses, a pool with private cabanas and several restaurants. Rates start at $279 per night.
The Greenbrier (White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia)
Nestled in the West Virginia countryside near the Allegheny Mountains, the Greenbrier has been welcoming guests looking for some R&R since 1778. These days the grand resort offers something for everyone in your crew: world-famous golf courses, a full-service spa, bowling alley, tennis, horseback riding, falconry and more. A supervised Adventure Zone program keeps kids ages 3 to 12 busy with pond fishing, laser tag and trips to the on-site greenhouse while adults enjoy spa treatments like Mint Julep Body Bliss or a round of golf. can Rates start at $409 per night.
Under Canvas (multiple locations)
Once you camp at this resort — now with 10 locations from Maine to Montana — you’ll be spoiled for life. Upscale canvas tents have private bathrooms with housekeeping on request. There’s even the option of getting a “kids tent” with you so you both have a little more privacy. Programming includes bingo, movie nights, scavenger hunts and guided hikes. You can’t go wrong with any location, but a solar-powered location about 15 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah sounds amazing. It opens on June 2, 2022. Rates start at $329 per night.
Epic Fun in Florida
The thrill of theme parks, the serenity of the beach and everything in between.
Walt Disney World Resort (Orlando, Florida)
The Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Coaster opens on May 27, 2022, setting the tone for Super Summer during a year-long 50th anniversary celebration at Epcot and the rest of Disney’s theme parks. New shows, such as Mickey’s Celebration Callout on Main Street at Magic Kingdom, help mark the occasion. Another reason to celebrate: Character hugs are back, after being on hold during the first two years of the pandemic. You need to make reservations in advance for certain parks, so be sure to check availability before booking your flight and hotel. Stay in recently renovated rooms (some with Princess Tiana theming) at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside. Rooms start around $290 per night.
Universal Orlando Resort (Orlando, Florida)
Akio, the wizarding world of Harry Potter! The perfect reason to make Universal all or part of your Orlando vacation. Your little muggles’ minds will be blown as they use interactive wands to take the Hogwarts Express, drink butterbeer and unlock magical experiences. The most recent addition, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, has a cool twist. (Avoid reading online spoilers about the coaster.) Overall, it’s the most immersive experience of any theme park, right down to hearing Myrtle moan in the bathroom downstairs. Stay at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, where resort guests can enter The Wizarding World one hour before it opens to the public. Prices, which include theme park tickets, start at $99 per person per night, based on a family of four.
The Grove Resort & Water Park (Orlando, Florida)
If you’re doing something Disney, something Universal, maybe a day at SeaWorld, stay off property at a resort that will give you more space for less money. With only two- and three-bedroom suites, all with in-room laundry and full kitchens, this place is a spacious home base for your crew. Be sure to set aside a day for the kids to splash around at its water park, complete with a lazy river, kids’ activity pool, and surf simulator. Or rent swan paddleboats and fishing poles at the resort’s Lake Austin Pier. Prices for the fifth-anniversary package, which includes a $55 resort credit, start at $399 per night.
Beachside Hotel & Suites (Cocoa Beach, Florida)
A 1965 motel has been colorfully renovated, and the kids are going to love it! Retro rooms exude a cheerful vibe with pops of bright colors in the curtains and seating. Your crew will enjoy the pool, lazy river, beach — just 300 feet away. Drive about 20 minutes to the Kennedy Space Center where kids can get up close to Space Shuttle Atlantis and blast off in a shuttle launch experience. Rates start at $239 per night.
Hawaii: Pineapples, Rainbows and Beaches
Who wants more than that?
Turtle Bay Resort (Kahuku, Hawaii)
One word: paradise. Filmmakers (including the Hunger Games crew) have long flocked to this oasis on Oahu’s North Shore for the picture-perfect scenery — banyan trees, sea turtles and beaches with both calm and big surf. Thanks to a massive makeover, the rooms, restaurant and pool are as stunning as the natural surroundings. The new ocean bungalows have a natural design and bring a fab vibe with the egg chair swing. A guest room redesign is in the final stages. Professional surfer Jamie O’Brien leads its surf program — and yes, even kids can take lessons. Stand-up paddle boarding and horseback riding are among the other bucket list activities you can do as a family. Rates start at $699 per night.
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa (Lahaina, Hawaii)
The recently renovated resort’s pool area in West Maui provides entertainment for all ages. A sandy-bottomed “cakey lagoon” with a water slide and animal sculptures captures the hearts of the young crowd, while daredevils gravitate to the giant lava tube slide. Kids can sign up for swimming lessons (and wear tails) from mermaids! Stargazing on the rooftops, feeding the penguins and making lei are also popular with families. Rates start at $349 per night.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (Kohala Coast, Hawaii)
During the day, the resort’s crescent-shaped, white-sand beach is a treasure trove of shells, lava rocks and tide pools. At night, Big Island Paradise shines floodlights into the water, which attract plankton and eventually manta rays that feed on it. It’s so much fun to spy on them from the lookout points! The resort’s impressive collection of art and artifacts from the Pacific and Asia is another highlight — older kids may want to listen to podcasts about some of the pieces. Rates start at $999 per night.
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa (Ko Olina, Hawaii)
A cool, theme park-free way for your kids to meet their favorite Disney characters, this resort on Oahu makes a Hawaii vacation even more magical. The resort’s award-winning kids’ club, Auntie’s Beach House, reopens on May 25, 2022 with themed activities and surprise visits from Mickey and friends. You can also book character breakfasts and dinners with photo ops. Be warned: With a lazy river, rapids, saltwater snorkeling lagoons and rainbow water jets, your kids may never want to leave the pool area. Rates start at $574 per night.
Sheraton Waikīkī (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Ideal for large groups, the newly renovated two-bedroom Ohana Suites sleep six comfortably. They have views of the Diamond Head Crater – be sure to make a reservation to enter the state monument. The resort is in a prime location on famous Waikiki Beach, and its pools (with an interactive fountain and 70-foot waterslide for kids) overlook the ocean. Ukulele lessons are held daily in the lobby and a supervised children’s program offers activities for children ages 2½ to 12. Contact the resort for rates.
Southern Charm
Pull on your cowboy boots and get ready for boating, theme parks and live music.
New Orleans
With lots of outdoor music and beignets at breakfast, NOLA is surprisingly kid-friendly. A dreamy day begins with a trolley ride from your hotel to City Park. At Café du Monde, your family can find warm, airy powdered sugar-topped treats. (It’s much less crowded than its French Quarter location.) From there it’s a short walk across the green space to the new Louisiana Children’s Museum. The original location was flooded by Hurricane Katrina. Both the indoor and outdoor exhibits are creative and reflect the community – for example, instead of the typical playspace supermarket, there is a Creole kitchen. After lunch, walk to another City Park landmark: the New Orleans Museum of Art. While older kids will want to explore the collection—a wonderful display of many different types of art—younger kids will be wandering around the free outdoor sculpture garden. You can catch impromptu jazz performances on the street, or make reservations for Preservation Hall. A music venue that allows children. End the night with the all-ages, immersive Ghosts of New Orleans Walking Tour. You’ll visit famous haunted locations in the French Quarter, but it’s not scary. Stay at One11, the newest hotel in the French Quarter. Once a sugar mill, it has a charming atmosphere, convenient location and, most importantly, a pond. Rates start at $193 per night.
Lakeway Resort and Spa (Lakeway, TX)
Just outside of Austin, on the shores of Lake Travis, is this Texas Hill Country resort. Of the three large swimming pools, you’ll probably spend most of your time in the large adventure waterslide pool. Kids even score free chocolate chip cookies and ice pops to enjoy poolside. If you want to get out on the lake, you can rent boats, jet skis or pontoons. End a great day with free s’mores around the campfire. Rates start at $172 per night.
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)
With flying elephants, a piggy parade and Lucky Dickies, Dollywood’s Country Fair section couldn’t be more charming if it tried. The Gazillion Bubble Show: Aurora makes even the little ones squeal with delight. After a day at the park, check into the on-site resort that keeps the fun going thanks to a castle-style playground, bedtime stories and a splash pad. Resort guests receive priority access to certain rides, free park shuttles and early admission on Saturdays. Rates start at $379 per night.
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center (Nashville, Tennessee)
It’s hard to find a vacation spot that grandparents genuinely enjoy as much as the grandkids, and this sprawling resort is one of those rare gems. Top of the list for kids: Sound Waves water attraction, which features a large outdoor wave pool and indoor surf simulator. Grandparents will visit the Delta River Boat Tours inside the resort’s atrium. Everyone will love the fountain show as well as the animal encounters. Rates, which include some children’s activities, start at $324 per night.
Mid-Atlantic Must-Sees
Explore a Victorian enclave, learn about our nation’s history, sleep under a ball gown or visit a chocolate hotel — or take a road trip in between!
Congress Hall (Cape May, New Jersey)
With its Victorian mansions, red and green trolleys and nostalgic candy stores, this coastal town at the southernmost tip of the state is throwback at its best. Congress Hall, the country’s oldest seaside resort, offers a convenient and charming place to stay. It is only a few blocks to downtown shops and the beach. Resort attendants will set up beach chairs, umbrellas and towels for your family. Make sure your stay includes Monday, when the resort hosts a weekly carnival with children’s rides, games and food on its sprawling front lawn. Rates start at $539 per night.
The Hotel Hershey (Hershey, PA)
Check-in at this resort near HersheyPark sets the tone for the rest of your stay: Every member of the family gets a full-sized Hershey bar. Hop on the free shuttle to Hershey Park, where a Jolly Rancher-themed coaster with music and flavor tunnel opens on May 28, 2022. After a full day of riding – there’s plenty for thrill-seekers with little ones – head back to the hotel where several pools with a kiddie spray deck await. The next day, visit Hershey’s Chocolate World to learn how candy is made and make your own chocolate bar or peanut butter cup. Rates start at $499 per night.
Woodloch Resort (Hawley, Pennsylvania)
Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, this all-inclusive retreat fills your family vacation with fun activities. There are more than 30 ways to play — from bumper cars to paddle boats, from zombie bowling to archery. New for summer 2022: an adventure playground with climbing ladders and a low ropes course with play structures. Rates start at $144 per adult and $45-$63 per child/teen per night.
The Roxbury (Stratton Falls, New York)
Fairytale voices are strong at this quaint retreat in the Catskills. The multi-bedroom suites and cottages feature fantastic themes such as Crown of the Pendragon, Fairy Forest and the ultimate kid-pleaser, Cinderella’s Gown. An 18-foot ball gown serves as a canopy for one of the beds. Also, the bathroom is built inside a giant pumpkin car. The whimsy continues into the hot pool area, with curved pillars and a crooked ceiling over the changing rooms. Rates start at $104 per night.
Washington, DC and Outskirts
The best things to do in the nation’s capital are free. Visit the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial, the National Museum of African American History and Culture or the world’s largest library — The Library of Congress. (FYI for you aspiring astronauts: The National Air and Space Museum is undergoing a complete reimagining and will be closed by fall 2022.) If you plan, you can visit the White House for free. Can also book a tour. Just half a mile from the White House, the Washington Marriott in Metro Center is a convenient place to stay. (Rates start at $199 per night.) Balance all the academic activities with a few days of play in the DC suburbs. The National Harbor area is a waterfront wonderland, featuring a carousel, giant Ferris wheel, summer concerts, outdoor movie nights and boat tours. Stay at the newly renovated Gaylord National Harbor and Convention Center. It includes an indoor pool, outdoor children’s splash zone and “Summer of More” activities, including scavenger hunts and animal contests. Summer of Moore rates, which include overnight parking and a $50 restaurant credit, start at $329 per night.
Kingsmill Resort (Williamsburg, Virginia)
After a day of learning about the founders (and the meaning behind those Hamilton tunes), families can retreat to Kingsmill to cool off and relax. Your crew can paddle board the James River or swim in the pool’s lazy river. Most accommodations are multi-bedroom condos with a kitchen, making it easy to cook some of your own meals. Wear the kids before bed by running around the sprawling green space or heading to the resort’s playground. Rates start at $209 per night.